A Dollar couple who have raised more than £3000 in support of an orphanage in Cambodia have roped in friends to help them boost the coffers of their campaign.

In their latest fundraiser, 50 people joined Bruce and Linda Milroy on a charity cycle ride around Loch Katrine to collect cash for the New Life Centre Orphanage at Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The Dollar couple stumbled upon the orphanage by chance when on a cycling holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia last year.

“We had stopped by the roadside for something to eat when five children came up to us and handed out flyers they had made about their orphanage,” said Linda, who recently retired as nurse practitioner from Dollar Health Centre.

“They told us all about their lives and afterwards we couldn’t stop thinking about them. The next day we arranged to visit the orphanage and the children excitedly greeted us.

“The man who runs it, Pahn Ratha, showed us around and it left a deep impression on us both. We instantly knew we wanted to do something to help.”

According to Linda, lack of money meant that conditions in the orphanage were rudimentary with 25 children living in two rooms – 14 boys in one room sleeping on a concrete floor and the girls in the other room sharing two double beds.

There were a further two bamboo rooms, one of which was used as a basic classroom, although there were no desks.

“There was no kitchen and only a very basic toilet with no drainage,” said Linda. “But despite all this, we were amazed by the cheerfulness of the children, who just wanted to play.

“When we went back to our hotel we managed to contact some of our cycling group and in a very short time we had raised £700, which we immediately donated to the orphanage”

Since their return to Scotland, Linda and Bruce, along with others, have been actively fundraising for the orphanage, which has included the creation of a dedicated website where it is possible to donate online. Linda is returning to Cambodia in November where she plans to help teach the kids English and provide health advice.

“I want to get more of a feel for the place when I am over there this time because we are planning many more activities for next year.

“This is only the beginning as far as we are concerned and the support of other people has been crucial to the success of the campaign so far.”

More information on the orphanage and how to donate at www.orphanagesupportgroup.com